Beautiful Earrings from #Novica

 If you read my blog, you know that I've been, and continue to be, a huge fan of Novica! I have done many reviews for them, from pottery to jewelry to sweaters. Their fair trade policy, and the way they run their company has been a benchmark for other similar companies to take lessons and also flourish.
Today I'm sharing some of their most beautiful earrings! I'm a fan of drop earrings because they can be seen easier, can be paired with studs, and are so flattering. These pieces are all made with authentic stones and sterling silver and would make great Valentine's Day gifts, or accessorize your wardrobe with one-of-a-kind pieces that have been handmade by artisans from all over the world! I love how each piece has its own name and comes with a story card telling about the artisan who made it, also certifying authenticity. These are conveniently available on Amazon so you can take advantage of Amazon's great shipping rates as well.

Maya Mint

Morning Rose

Owl Love

Sky Fantasy

Pale Green Tears

Frangipani Butterfly

This site accepts product samples and/or compensation. Affiliate links may be used to help support this site. All text and opinion are 100% my own and are not swayed by any sponsor affiliation.

An Alpaca Wool Blend Sweater From Peru

One of my favorite gifts this holiday season was the package I received from Novica! I had chosen an off-white alpaca blend tunic. It would be perfect for the cold weather we always experience in December here in Utah! But would it arrive in time? I was a bit late ordering--on December 15th the order was finally placed. I decided I didn't want to risk it not arriving in time for Christmas so I paid a little extra for High Priority Mail, guaranteed to get to me before Christmas. It did, in fact, get to me very quickly. I received the package 4 days later, on December 19th. And what a beautiful package it was! The little Peruvian Lady on the bow was adorable!

Novica is a--if not the--premier fair trade company, meaning they enable artisans from all over the world to bring their crafts to us for fair prices. While doing that, Novica simultaneously enables international artisans to make a fair wage in order support their families and continue producing high quality art.  There are hundreds of individual artisans to choose from, thousands of items ready to be shipped to you, multiple countries represented, and categories aplenty. It just makes me feel good to know that I can, through my purchase, help someone in another country who needs my financial support to survive!  I, in turn, need the product that he/she produces! No one will be getting rich from my contribution, but authentic and true art will be living in my home, and on my person for a very long time to come!

As I was perusing the website, looking in particular for a nice wool or alpaca-blend poncho, the work of artisan Alfredo Falcon, from Peru caught my eye. He seems to have a gift for capturing western style yet retaining a distinctive Peruvian flair. I loved his other creations as well--capes, cloaks, hats, gloves, men's fashion, and more! With over 140 reviews of his work, one can see just how talented he is. Born in Lima, he learned the traditional weaving techniques from his parents, as did his parents before him, learning from their parents--a family entirely devoted to the art of textiles. But hard times made him flee Lima to the district of Huaycan, where many fled from terrorist attacks. Before working with Novica, his market was limited to a few small local shops and a single foreign client who purchased work from him from time to time. Since joining Novica, his popularity has increased dramatically and he has many clients that he works with. He states, however, that Novica will always be his "preferred customer."

Enjoying Holiday Celebrations with my Alpaca Wool Blend Sweater!

Although the weave is loose, it is still very warm and toasty!

When I saw the 'Charisma' Alpaca Wool Blend Pullover Sweater, I knew I wanted it! Over 45% alpaca, and 15% wool, it is so light and yet toasty warm! I wore it during the holiday celebrations and was very happy with it. The best part is that I will also be wearing it for the rest of the winter to work, and for casual dates as well! It works well for me and my lifestyle. In the meantime, I added several more items to my wishlist at Novica, including the "Illusions Of Blue' Poncho/Shawl!  

This site accepts product samples and/or compensation. Affiliate links may be used to help support this site. All text and opinion are 100% my own and are not swayed by any sponsor affiliation.

Novica - Friend Of Creativity And Beauty

I just found out about this great company called Novica, associated with National Geographic! I guess I'm just not with it, because if I were, I'd have known about Novica having been named one of the Hot 100 websites in Dec 2008, carrying right over to now, 2010! Do you love authentic regional artwork?  (Me!) Do you love quality textiles, fabrics, stones and metals made into art from other countries?  (Count me in!) Do you travel just to find wonderful souvenirs and treasures at bargain prices?  (No, but would love to!) Do you love to help others who are struggling to make ends meet?  (Of course!) If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you will love Novica!

As I browsed the site, I found beautiful quality, hand made creations like hammocks to relax in, beautiful leather and suede bags, sweaters made from the finest alpaca wool, truly authentic and beautiful jewelry and more! All of these were made by artisans from places like the Andes, Bali and Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Thailand, Mexico and India. 
Personally, I think Novica makes the world much smaller in terms of bringing the work of small time artisans as well as more prominent international artisans to my doorstep! Beautiful creations from around the world can make me smile, in the comfort of my home, not to mention the great deals!

Some more questions to ponder - Are you the discerning shopper who loves to give great, one-of-a-kind gifts?  Are you part of a corporation who wants to make an impression with the gifts it presents?  Novica has a great corporate gifts section as well as a green gifts category, with items that are eco-friendly, and kind to the planet!
Novica expresses it this way:

We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.
At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.
We want you to know about who you're buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.
In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together.
NOVICA. The World is Your Market.

Artisans such as César Gonzáles are so grateful for Novica and their artisan loan program, where they give eligible artisans loans with 0% interest!

César Gonzáles

gemstone artisan, Peru

"I give thanks to Novica for the significant change it has made in my life. Before, we were living with a mattress on the floor, and now we have a comfortable and pleasant new home. I'm very happy to have been able to pay for the schooling of my three children and the comfort of my family. Previously, I sold my work on the street. Now, my income has increased three times. I am doing the job I always dreamed of doing, and I love it."

My opinion of Novica is very high!  I love the fact that they give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market!  I consider use of this site a must!

If you  are a first-time purchaser from Novica, you will  receive $10 off your purchase!  Just add this code when you check out!  NOVICA243